Welcome to the Newfound Connection
Each edition of the Newfound Lake Region Association newsletter features events, news, trivia, and the people of the watershed—everything a Newfounder needs to know!
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The traditionally-maintained lawn is a source of stormwater runoff and pollution. Nutrients from fertilizer and even grass clippings can end up polluting our waterways and lowering water quality. We'd like to introduce you to some lake-friendly lawn alternatives: |
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You can replace your turfgrass but preserve a lawnlike function by using groundcovers like Pennsylvania Sedge, Wild Strawberry, Creeping Thyme, or White Clover. These species require less fertilizer than turfgrass and offer other benefits - like being a food source for birds and pollinators. |
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Less Lawn, More Landscaping |
Consider reducing the size of your lawn and replacing it with perennial plants, shrubs, and trees. Not only can a mixed perennial garden be more efficient at filtering runoff, a diverse mix of plants promotes biodiversity. |
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Meadows support rich ecosystems, are visually attractive, and can still function as an open space for picnicking and games like a traditional lawn. Read more about establishing a meadow here:
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Properly managed lawns can be lake friendly too! Follow these steps to enjoy your lawn while limiting its affect on Newfound Lake. |
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Pick the Right Grass
There are different types of turfgrass for different kinds of environments. Choosing the right type of grass for your location reduces the amount of water, fertilizer, and maintenance it will require.
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Fertilize Right
Fertilize using the right amount, at the right time, and with the right fertilizer to decrease the chance of your lawn's fertilizer washing into our waterways. Use slow release nitrogen sources or scatter white clover seeds in your lawn, which naturally fix nitrogen in the soil. For the details on proper fertilizer application, read this article from UNH Cooperative Extension.
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Let Litter Lie
Leaving grass clippings and mulched leaf litter on your lawn is a great source of natural fertilizer. It decomposes quickly, feeding your lawn and replenishing soil nutrients. Make sure you maintain a buffer (see below) to keep composted lawn materials from washing into waterways.
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Watch your Watering
Use a rain gauge to measure the water your lawn receives each week. Lawns can require up to an inch of water per week during the summer to remain green and healthy. Irrigating lightly but more frequently reduces runoff and nutrients leaching into groundwater.
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Maintain a Buffer
Because lawns are sources of runoff pollution, it's important to maintain a vegetated buffer between your lawn and the nearest waterways. Vegetated buffers can vary from well-maintained gardens to woodland and natural areas.
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For more articles on ecologically friendly lawn care, check out these excellent resources and articles:
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Read the first journal entries of the Watershed Stewards as they detail their service experience in Newfound. |
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Stewardship Journal - Tenzing Syelneon - Newfound Lake...
The New Hampshire mountains are definitely different. Similar to my hometown Darjeeling, minus all the water. I feel embraced by these mountains. Born of the mountains, I am home again. As I left the bustling streets and busy highways of New...
Read more
newfoundlake.org
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Stewardship Journal - Karen Candia - Newfound Lake...
It's challenging to try and put my first impressions into words. New Hampshire is not, by any means, a foreign land, and there's no language barrier to overcome or a difference in currency to get used to. Even so, the sharp transition from being...
Read more
newfoundlake.org
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June 24, 10am-12pm
Grey Rocks Conservation Area
178 N Shore Rd Hebron, NH
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Calling all volunteers! Join us at Grey Rocks as we establish a new rain garden and weed and mulch our planting areas. All ages welcome, registration required.
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July 1, 9am
Sugarloaf Goose Pond Conservation Area
West Shore Rd, Alexandria, NH
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Learn about the water cycle on this fun family adventure up and down Little Sugarloaf. Participants will play the role of water as it passes through different phases of the water cycle. This event is free, registration required. |
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July 2, 11am-12pm
Grey Rocks Conservation Area
178 N Shore Rd, Hebron, NH
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The Minot-Sleeper Library is coming to Grey Rocks! Join us for an open-air storytime and guided exploration of Grey Rocks Conservation Area.
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Other Events Around The Watershed |
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Farmer's Market
Saturdays, 10am-2pm
Mill Stream Park, Bristol, NH
Saturdays, 7-9pm
Bristol Central Square, Bristol, NH
June 30, 6:30pm
Bristol Falls Bark, Bristol, NH
July 1, 6:30-8pm
Kelly Park, Bristol, NH
Story Walk on Millstream Path
June through July
Millstream Path, Bristol, NH
July 3, 1:30pm (rain date: July 4)
Foot of Newfound Lake, Bristol, NH
July 3, 6-10pm
Bristol Town Beaches, Bristol, NH
July 4, 11am
Through downtown Bristol, NH
July 6, 4:45-5:45 pm
Slim Baker Foundation
301 New Chester Mountain Rd, Bristol, NH
July 6, dusk
Kelley Park, Bristol, NH
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Business Member Shoutout
Newfound Lake is the engine of our local economy. Our business members understand the importance of protecting our clean and healthy watershed to ensure local prosperity.
Please help us thank our business members - support the businesses that support Newfound!
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Keep Connected
We do not sell or share your information.
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The Newfound Lake Region Association is dedicated to protecting Newfound Lake and its watershed. Learn more...
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